Chapter 138 Striking A Deal

"Let me introduce myself. I'm the President of the Republic of Vofors' Commoner, Metternich Henderson. You can also call it Vofors Republica for short." The man introduces himself with his hand on his right chest.

"Commoner? Care to explain it to me? Is it because there's no noble there?" Riz asked.

Metternich happily agreed with the request, "As you wish, Your Majesty. To understand the reason behind this, we need to take a look back in time. Vofors county was plagued by a serious wealth gap and inequality. However, no one addressed this issue. The nobles and their merchants keep milking us dry, oppressing small businesses and people altogether. While the knights who serve the nobles forget their own roots. Instead of helping their fellow commoners, they act like nobles themselves.

During that period, the news about you and your reform arrived here. It is news that gives us hope. Naturally, we demand the same only to meet with rejection. Instead, nobles do the opposite.

They tighten the leash around our necks at every turn they can. As we had enough with this bullcrap, the revolution begins. Our idea is to provide an equal chance of opportunities in every aspect to all commoners in Vofors regardless of their background. However, we believe nobles shouldn't exist in Vofors at all. Having nobles may hinder and sullied this idea due to the wealth advantage they possessed.

As a leader of the revolution, it is my job to not let greedy nobles join our utopian society. Thus, we decided to kill them.

That's the story, your majesty. Your action sparks our revolution movement for a better life. In a way, we are grateful to you for that."

A long explanation by Metternich causes everybody in the hall unable to say anything. Interests, disgusted, contempt and surprised all mix together. Remembering their noble acquaintance living in Vofors for generations perish, nobles' faces were darkened.

Needless to say, they have to acknowledge that this man is the real deal.

He doesn't hesitate to boldly announce his involvement in massacring the nobles in the presence of many nobles here. Killing nobles can be considered taboo for a commoner.

Usually, the culprits will go hiding and change their identity or appearance in fear of being hunted down. But, the situation has changed.

In recent years, nobles can feel their power and influence have reduced. The rise of two republics in the midst of a feudalistic noble-centred society has tilted the balance of power in the region.

Nobles have become more reserved in their actions.

In spite of all that, some proud noble scoffed at it. Saying that commoners lead a nation is a disaster.

"I am well honoured that my actions somewhat contribute to your revolution. I do say it is a nice idea and I hope you succeed in achieving your goals." Riz said.

Hearing Riz's words, Metternich's eyes sparkled, "Thank you, Your Majesty. If only our noble like you, we may not need to spill blood."

Riz remains silent after hearing Metternich's remark. Inwardly, He made his honest commentary. 'A nice idea doesn't mean it can be perfectly executed in reality. For instance, many ideas out there stay as an idea. The idea of equal opportunity in a society that you believe in might not bore any fruition. Just look at Cerdeauxia, it's chaos. Hierarchy is always formed on its own, especially when a commoner who never tasted power tastes the irresistible sweetness of power. In the future, Vofors will once again face the same problems of the wealth gap. Well, their problems are not mine to solve. One less peaceful nation is better for me.'

"Err, Your Majesty..." Seeing Metternich fidgeting, Riz knows he needs something from him.

"What is it, President Metternich?"

Metternich's tone this time was not as prideful as earlier, he was being sincere to Riz. "As you know, we are a newly formed country. We are very vulnerable to any sort of attack and lack the means to protect ourselves. So, we want to buy a production line of your weaponry."

Riz was surprised for a second. No one ever made this buy offer to him except for Naharog. All others do is send spies to steal the technologies from him instead of trading. Not like he has high expectations from these barbaric people.

It doesn't matter anymore, he had put them on the blacklist.

The words of President Metternich caught their attention, especially Matthew.

His face twisted, showing that he was very unpleasant by Metternich's request. If Riz agreed, it means their newly-born neighbour would have an advanced weapon to threaten Cerdeauxia's security.

Riz fell into deep thought. Since he has long stopped the arquebus production, why not just sell it? Certainly not to anybody.

As it stands, for now, Matthew had leverage over other nations due to the access to the sea, its resources and the trade network that they possessed. If Matthew turns the surrounding nation into his allies, the picture won't be looking good for Ryntum.

The weapon production line is a very confidential matter for every nation. Each nation has its own criteria and specification for its cold weapon production from securing raw materials to manpower used.

As a pioneer of industrialization, this problem posed no problem to him. With his knowledge, Riz can cause technology to change rapidly by pointing out the direction of research and development of new weapons.

It will take less time to develop weapons here than on Earth.

By the time they manage to imitate him, the weapon will become obsolete.

Considering the lack of technical skills of Vofors citizens, he can charge them for the cost of maintenance of equipment. Using the same tactics on Naharog, he can sell the ammunition to them separately until they're able to manufacture on their own.

With this deal alone, Riz can gain a large amount of gold and silver flowing into Ryntum treasury and increase his reserve.

"I can sell you a production line for arquebus and 12-pounder cannon but the price is steep. I don't think Vofors has the ability to pay me."

Hearing the response, they all begin to whisper among themselves. His ears were sharp enough to catch them labelling him a fool.

At first, he was quite confused but then he understood why. 'Ahh!! These people are unaware of the existence of the flintlock musket and my new artillery. Their design is indistinguishable after all.'

The President of Vofors assured him, "Do not worry about it, Your Majesty. Vofors has all the gold reserves we need to purchase the production line."

Metternich's confidence shocked him once again. Where does this confidence come from? Did they stumble on mountains of gold when raiding nobles' residences?

Charlotte suddenly stands from her seat and comes up to him. Her action seems to be rude and mannerless in the eyes of the nobles. It invited a mocking gaze from ladies in the hall.

"Even if she was favoured by the king, she should know her place as a commoner." said an old noblewoman who happens to be at the same table as Charlotte.

Riz cast a quick glare at the owner of the voice, warning her to not speak any further.

Ignoring all that just happened, Charlotte leaned to Riz's left ear and reminded him, "Milord, Vofors had a lot of gold. They hit a jackpot during their revolution and invasion of Dalfos, a city north of Hadju County. And guess what? All of this precious metal is in possession of Metternich. Because he is the leader, he was entrusted by his revolutionist to develop a framework for resource distribution."

"Did his fellow friends aren't afraid of him running away with the money?" He found it hard for someone to have so much trust in other people.

"They're a bit sceptical but from what is reported to me, the amount of guards guarding his family has increased significantly just when he was about to depart to this ceremony."

"I see. So, they are holding his family hostage. Thank you, Charlotte."

"You're welcome, milord." Charlotte returns to her seat under the gaze of many.

Riz turned his head to Metternich. The president is waiting nervously for the young king's final say. He doesn't know who that girl was but watching her action, she definitely is someone capable of swaying the king's decision.

"Alright, President Metternich. Since you're willing to pay, I've no reason to refuse. 10 million Ryntum Golrd for the arquebus and 20 million Ryntum Golrd for the cannon. I can't sell you the recipe for ammunition but I can supply it to you at a cheap price. To congratulate the first deal between our nation, I'll provide training to your workers. How about it?"

"Hmm..." Metternich took a while to digest the price. It's higher than he expected but the training offer is irresistible. Coming from a commoner's background, he's aware of the importance of knowledge. "I agree with your offer, Your Majesty."

Riz's grinned from ear to ear, "Great, let's draw up the contract after the ceremony ended."